Amulets and Symbols in Jewelry Design

Whether you call them amulets, charms, fetishes, or talismans, virtually every culture had them.  I like to think of them as little works of art, but they are so much more than that.  They were worn on the body to bring luck, heal, enhance fertility, protect against injury (during travel, hunting, or from bites and stings) or ward off evil, depending on the wearers beliefs and intentions.  They came in many forms, made with different materials, and adorned with different symbols. The meaning and significance in the symbolism of a particular image changed from east to west, culture to culture, and even day to day.  Even if you do not believe in their magical powers, it is fun to know the intention of the artists who created them, and the power felt by the person who wore them before you, as many of the pieces are antiques.  Below is a list of amulets and symbols found in many of the pendants and beads in KatieO jewelry.

Buddha:

Buddhists do not worship the Buddha, they pay homage to his teachings and example in front of his asanas, or postures.  They all have a particular significance, appropriate for teaching, meditation, or blessing.  Buddhism developed from the teachings of Guatama Buddha, born Prince Siddhartha, in northern India in the mid 6th century bc.  He renounced his worldly goods in search of an existence free from suffering, through meditation and asceticism.  When Siddhartha achieved his goal, he was call the Buddha, or the Enlightened.  After a lifetime of teaching, the Buddha died and entered Nirvana, never to be reborn.

Laughing Buddha:

The laughing Buddha is one of the popular forms of the Buddha.  The name means Friendly One who laughs at fate and whose obesity contains the wisdom of the universe.  He is a representation of contentment and abundance.  In folklore he is admired for his happiness, plenitude, and wisdom of contentment. One belief, popular in folklore but not part of Buddhist doctrine, maintains that rubbing his belly brings wealth, good luck, and prosperity.

Photos:

Top Left:  Laughing Buddha Bracelet, from the Totem Bracelet Collection

Bottom Right:  Wooden Buddha, from the Treasure Chest Collection

                          Bone Buddha, from the Treasure Chest Collection

                          Laughing Buddha Bracelet, from the Totem Bracelet Collection

                          Peaceful Buddha Bracelet, from the Totem Bracelet Collection

                          Pendants from the Katieo collection